The best UK festivals

Don’t believe the naysayers: it’s boom time for UK festivals. Every summer brings a new crop of innovative summer music festivals to join the long-established big beasts of festival season. So no matter what you’re looking for – rock ’n’ roll headliners, folk festivals, boutique festival frolics, house and techno bangers – there’s something for you happening in a field this summer. Here’s our round-up of the very biggest and best UK music festivals taking place in 2016. See you down the front!

The UK's best festivals

It would be easy to write off Wilderness as a posh playground, but the reality is much more magical. The thoughtfully programmed roster of acts from around the world has grown in calibre and breadth year-on-year, with Björk headlining in 2015. But it’s the awe-­inspiring performance art, debates and mouth­watering feasts that have firmly positioned Wilderness as a carnival for the senses, and much more than just a music festival. Just be aware that few of the luxurious activities are included in the basic ticket price, and add­-ons can quickly add up.

Birmingham's best live venues

From the very biggest names touring at the big venues and clubs to those up and coming artists on the cusp of greatness honing their craft at awesome little independent venues and bars, Birmingham has some seriously good live music on offer. We've picked what we think are Birmingham's best places for doing just that, so take a look and cock an ear.